Blog

  1. Cicada Killer Wasps

    These solitary wasps are around 2” long and which makes them the largest wasp. They are usually yellow and black and hunt cicadas to eat, hence the name. Males cannot sting but will use intimidation to defend their nests. Females can sting but rarely do. They dig a nest about a foot down into the ground where they store paralyzed adult cicadas. Eggs are laid on the cicadas and when they hatch la…Read More

  2. Honey Bee Swarms

    April & May are when you are most likely to have a honey bee swarm show up on your home or tree or any place that can provide a little bit of shelter for them. When a a colony gets to be too large, a queen and many workers will fly off to find a new spot to set up a hive. Most of the time they are just passing through. If a hive is stopped for a day or more it may be a good idea to have a bee …Read More

  3. Texas Giant Centipede

    Texas Giant Centipedes are very startling. They can grow up to 12" long and are usually blueish green with a red head and bright yellow legs.  They can inflict a painful bite,similar to a wasp sting, when handled but are not life threatening. They are usually found under rocks or boards outside but can occasionally enter homes when the weather cools. These centipedes are not seen frequently but i…Read More

  4. Scorpion Stings

    The sting from the scorpions found in Central Texas can be painful but are usually not dangerous, as long as you are not allergic. If you get stung, first put an ice cube on the sting for the pain. If you have some digestive enzymes for protein (you can try meat tenderizer) you can make a paste with it and put it on the sting. This will digest the sting and can eliminate the pain and can work on w…Read More

  5. June Bugs Are Here

    You may be seeing the return of the June bugs around your home. Of course they arrive early here and could be called April bugs. These are a seasonal pest that are a nuisance but do not cause problems. General pest treatments can kill the ones that approach your home but they will keep coming, so a service specifically for them is unnecessary. They are attracted to light so limiting outdoor lighti…Read More

  6. Paper Wasps are back!

    You're starting to see them buzzing around. The wasps are back and they are busy starting to build nests on your home, in outdoor light fixture and any other place that is protected from the elements. Wasps and yellow jackets are beneficial insects. They feed their young on insects that would otherwise damage plants in your garden and around your home. They can also feed on house fly and blow fly…Read More

  7. Hidden Fire Ants

    Just because you don't see fire ant mounds in the yard doesn't mean they aren't there. They're just not making visible mounds because of the heat and drought. They move deep underground where they can obtain water and where temperatures are cooler. After a rain the mounds pop up out of the wet soil. Baiting for fire ants should be done when the ground is dry and fire ants are foraging. Always foll…Read More

  8. Drain Flies

    Moth flies, often called drain flies, are small, about 1/8 inch in length and often dark-colored. They are typically found on walls and do not fly well. They do not bite or do damage, but could carry bacteria from the organic material they develop in, usually in drain or sewage lines. The best method of managing these flies is dealing with their breeding sites. In homes this is most often in bathr…Read More

  9. Earwigs

    Earwigs are harmless but the pincers on their rear end can cause fear in some. They are named after a myth that they would crawl into the ear and burrow into the brain. They do not infest homes but will become accidental invaders. You can vacuum or sweep them up. If there are large numbers of them a pest control service may be needed. General Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices can help kee…Read More

  10. Silverfish Control

    Silverfish can live in envelopes and will eat clothing and do damage to papers, etc if left unchecked. They are usually found in stored boxes. You can purchase silverfish baits online, and if they are fresh, they can be effective. We recommend buying a roach powder (99% orthoboric acid, 1% inert ingredients) and dusting boxes that have papers, etc in them (available at Home Depot, etc). If you hav…Read More